The detailed work qualification requirements have been specified. Former Marine veterans seeking to re-enter the Legion must engage in certain work.
For cyber operations specialists, former Marines must have had one of the following majors: 2611 Cyber Network Analyst or 1711 Offensive Cyber Operator. The minimum requirements include completing the Joint Network Analyst Course, but preferred certifications include the US Cyber Command/National Security Agency Developer Analyst Work Role Certification.
For other military services, applicants must hold Army 17 Series Network Warfare Specialist; Air Force 1B Series, Network Warfare; for the Navy, Cryptologic Technician Networks Network Warfare Specialist.
On the civilian side, individuals without military experience must have one of the following degrees: Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field, as well as knowledge or experience in accordance with the National Security Agency’s Apprentice Cryptologic Network Operator Training Standards.
For Signal Intelligence Collection Managers, Marine Corps members must have one of the following expertise: 2621 Communication Intelligence/Electronic Warfare Operator; 2631 Electronic Intelligence/Electronic Warfare Analyst; 2641 Cryptologic Language Analyst; 2651 Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Systems Engineer.
For other military services, Signal Intelligence applicants must hold Army 35 Series Military Intelligence; Air Force 1N Intelligence Series or Navy Cryptologic Technician Series.
Civilians seeking Signal Intelligence work must have one of the following degrees: Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field, as well as experience in Signal Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, Cyber Collection, and Ground Processing Architecture, and related systems.
“The time and investment in identifying, acquiring, and developing talent is significant, especially in these fields,” Lt. Gen. James Glynn, deputy commandant of Manpower and Reserve Affairs, said in a statement. “This initiative enhances readiness and contributes to lethality by leveraging proven private sector talent to rapidly meet critical areas of capability.”
In July 2023, the Marine Corps doubled the signing bonus for its new recruits, increasing it from $5,000 the previous year to $15,000. This was the highest signing bonus for all Marine Corps jobs at the time.
The Corps is considering veterans, retired military personnel, and civilians for recruitment.
Commoners and former members of other services must undergo basic training in the Marine Corps, but former Marine Corps personnel will be able to skip this step. According to their credentials, applicants can also skip their specialized qualification courses.
According to the Corps, the program is specifically aimed at the occupational fields of “cyberspace warfare operator” and “signal intelligence collection manager.” The service currently has 625 cyber and 1,287 signal intelligence petty officers – corporals and sergeants – a spokesman told Defense One.
Once pilot members enlist, the Corps will evaluate the program every six months, with the trial running a total of 24 months, Gunnery Sergeant Sage Goyda said at a media roundtable before the announcement.
Relevant articles:
– Marine Corps Pilot Program Allows Qualified Signals, Cyber Recruits to Join Service Up to Rank of Gunny, Military.com
– Marine Corps seeks to boost cyber and signals skills with new recruitment program, Defense One
– Marines fast track qualified cyber, signals recruits to rank of gunny, Yahoo